First-Time Buyer Guide: Navigating the Property Market with SortMyCash and Mortgage Advice Bureau
Buying your first home is an exciting milestone, but the process can be daunting. At SortMyCash, in partnership with Mortgage Advice Bureau, we’re here to help you navigate the property market with confidence. Our comprehensive guide for first-time buyers covers mortgage types, deposit requirements, government schemes, and the overall buying process. Let’s get started on your journey to homeownership!
Section 1: Understanding Mortgage Types
When it comes to mortgages, there are several options to choose from, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Some common mortgage types include:
- Fixed-Rate Mortgage: Your interest rate remains constant for a set period, providing stability and predictability in your monthly repayments.
- Variable-Rate Mortgage: Your interest rate may fluctuate over time, potentially offering lower initial rates but with the risk of increased payments if rates rise.
- Tracker Mortgage: Your interest rate tracks the Bank of England base rate, meaning your payments can increase or decrease in line with market changes.
- Offset Mortgage: Your mortgage is linked to a savings account, allowing you to reduce the interest you pay by offsetting your savings balance against your mortgage debt.
Our partner, Mortgage Advice Bureau, can help you explore these options and find the right mortgage to suit your needs and circumstances.
Section 2: Deposit Requirements
A crucial aspect of buying a property is saving for a deposit. Generally, you’ll need to save between 5% and 20% of the property’s value as a deposit. Keep in mind that the larger your deposit, the better mortgage deals you may be eligible for.
Section 3: Government Schemes for First-Time Buyers
To support first-time buyers, the UK government offers various schemes that can help make homeownership more accessible:
- Help to Buy: Equity Loan – This scheme provides a government loan of up to 20% (40% in London) of the property’s value, allowing you to secure a mortgage with just a 5% deposit.
- Shared Ownership – You can purchase a share of a property (between 25% and 75%) and pay rent on the remaining share. Over time, you can buy more shares to increase your ownership.
- Lifetime ISA – This savings account allows you to save up to £4,000 per year towards a first home (or retirement), with the government adding a 25% bonus on top of your contributions.
Section 4: The Home Buying Process
Here’s a simplified overview of the home buying process for first-time buyers:
- Assess your finances and set a budget.
- Research mortgage options and seek advice from Mortgage Advice Bureau.
- Get a mortgage agreement in principle (AIP) to determine how much you can borrow.
- Find a suitable property and make an offer.
- Hire a solicitor or conveyancer to handle the legal aspects of the transaction.
- Finalise your mortgage application, including a property valuation and survey.
- Exchange contracts and pay your deposit.
- Complete the sale, transfer funds, and receive the keys to your new home.
Section 5: How SortMyCash and Mortgage Advice Bureau Can Help
At SortMyCash, we understand how overwhelming the home buying process can be for first-time buyers. That’s why we’ve partnered with Mortgage Advice Bureau, one of the UK’s leading mortgage brokers, to provide you with expert guidance and support.
With access to over 12,000 mortgage products from over 90 lenders, Mortgage Advice Bureau can help you find a mortgage that’s tailored to your needs. Their experienced advisers will walk you through the process, offering personalised advice and answering any questions you may have.
Conclusion
Embarking on your journey to homeownership as a first-time buyer can be both exciting and challenging. With SortMyCash and Mortgage Advice Bureau by your side, you can navigate the property market with confidence. Our comprehensive guide, combined with the expert advice from Mortgage Advice Bureau, will empower you to make informed decisions and secure the keys to your dream home. So, let’s get started!
